Senior Living Residents Speak Out about Living in a Community
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WEBINAR SUMMARY:
Have you, a family member, or a friend wondered what it’s like to move into a senior living community? Then have a listen as our panel of three senior living residents share their experiences:
In this interactive webinar, Senior Living Residents Speak Out, we discuss the following as well as answer your questions!
- Why they moved to a senior living community and the process they followed
- What their first couple of months in a senior living community were like
- What day-to-day life is like in senior living
Watch and take notes to learn how to best talk about where to live in the later years of life.
Take advantage of Koelsch Community’s FREE Trial Stay that Ed, Arnie, and Carol all talked about. .
If you have questions, use the contact form at the bottom of each page on this website to reach out and ask your question and get a response free of charge.
TRANSCRIPT
Please note that this transcript was auto-generated by software and therefore, may include misspellings and incorrect punctuation. I’m pretty sure you’ll get the gist of what we were saying. If not, feel free to listen to the video or send me an email or fill out the contact form to ask for clarification.
SPEAKERS
Pam Ostrowski, Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch, and our esteemed guests, Carol, Ed, and Arnie
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 00:04
Welcome. Thank you all for joining us today. My name is Paige Fairbanks-Gunn and I work for Koelsch Senior Communities. I am the relationship manager in our Arizona market. We have independent living, assisted living and also memory care communities throughout eight different states. I’m super excited about this webinar today, because we are we are introducing and have our guests today that are three residents from The Park at Copper Creek, which is our independent living community in Chandler, Arizona. And I’m going to hand it over to my very dear friend and co host, Pam Ostrowski.
Pam Ostrowski 00:46
We’ll get those introductions out to you as to who we have with us today very special people. My name is Pam Ostrowski. I’m the founder of Alzheimer’s Family Consulting. And I work with all people who are in the aging process in trying to figure out how do we increase our brain health? How do we help others who are having some cognitive issues from early stages, because you know what? We all forget things. And if we can all help each other if I can help you as a caregiver or an individual. That’s what I’m here for. So today, we are going to get started with our guests. So Paige, do you want to introduce our guests? And then we will ask the first question.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 01:30
Absolutely. Well, I’d like to introduce Carol, ladies first. Carol has been with us. She’s been with us two years. So Carol, we’re so happy that you’re here with us today. And then we also have Edie and he has been with us just a little over a year about four January of 2023. And we welcome Edie. And then we also have Arnie, who has been with us about 14 months. So there’s already welcome everybody.
Ed 02:00
Hi Paige!
Arnie 02:01
Okay. Hi there, All
Pam Ostrowski 02:04
So what we’re going to do is we came up with some questions that we received from folks who are thinking about moving into independent living, and we thought it would be better than us telling you what it’s like to have real live amazing residents tell you what they really think.
So no holds barred you guys, you know, this audience is here to hear the truth. So let’s get started. Paige. This is actually for all three of the individuals. The question is what actually prompted you to even consider independent living? And we’ll start out with Ed, what got you to think about going into independent living?
Ed 02:53
Well, it was interesting to me, Pam, that after my wife had passed away, and it was about three or four years, actually, right. Two years ago, this summer, though, I was visiting my son in Colorado. And at breakfast one morning, he said, Hey, Dad, what’s your plan B.
And of course, I said, Plan B, I don’t even have a plan A. But it did start me thinking about what was going on in my life. And I lived in a very large house. And I lived in three rooms. And like a lot of us that are single, that’s what you do. And so I started thinking about condensing my life getting everything organized. And so that’s what I did I then I went out and I started looking at different properties. And I ended up at…
Pam Ostrowski 03:41
well, we’re going to get to that don’t Don’t give it away!
Ed 03:45
All right, but that’s what started the whole process right there.
Pam Ostrowski 03:49
That’s very cool. So you know, and sometimes it is our adult children who, who prompts that well, what are you going to really do? What do you what are you going to do in the next step, step or stage. So Arnie, what prompted you to consider moving to independent living?
Arnie 04:07
Well, after my wife passed away, the house that I was living in was just too big, too hard to maintain. And I began looking at facilities that could satisfy me and I won’t go any further. But that was the main reason I decided to the house was just too much for me to take care of.
Pam Ostrowski 04:29
Yeah. And that’s, that’s a really good reason who wants to mow the lawn and maintain the thing when somebody else can do that. Carol? How
Carol 04:38
about you? Yes. Well, again, my husband passed away and I got really tired of coming home to an empty house. It was lonely, and my children live in this area. So I decided to start looking because I knew it was time for me to move.
Pam Ostrowski 04:57
Great. Great. Thank you guys. So Paige, do you want to ask the next question.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 05:00
Okay, so the second question is, What process did you follow when evaluating senior living communities add?
Ed 05:10
Well, back to clarify is left off there, I did go out there and look at a lot of different properties. And they all essentially looked like hallways with doors to tell you the truth. They had the standard things and I’m on but I came to independent living.
And I really I love this place, it is wide hallways, it feels more like a home, then just a shell of a building. The people here this is the real plus is a socialization and the connections that you can make here. That’s what really drew me in everybody was smiling. It’s, there are a lot of happy people here. It just it makes you feel at home. I love it. And I still
Pam Ostrowski 06:02
so add when when you were, how many places did you did you look at? Did you have? You know, did you have a process that you use to evaluate?
Ed 06:14
I made a list of them as close to the area that I lived in. And there was approximately, as I recall, five or six places. Wow, I really stumbled across The Park by accident. My nephew, worked in Sun Lakes where I was living, which is in a retirement community. And he told me about customers of his who had moved here and loved it. And I hadn’t even heard about it. So I hear. I’ll tell you, I walked out of here after looking at others that day. And I just knew I just hit a home run.
Pam Ostrowski 06:56
Here’s my check. I
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 07:00
love that. Thank you. Okay,
Pam Ostrowski 07:03
so our next question is our RNA. And the question is, what features were you looking for? And also, which ones did you want to avoid? So what were you looking for? And what did you absolutely not want?
Arnie 07:22
Well, I knew what I was looking for, because my wife had been in an assisted living facility. So I knew I knew what I what I wanted. And I we look well, I looked at many facilities, I would say probably six. And this one was the one that I think checked all my boxes were
Pam Ostrowski 07:40
in the boxes, what kind of what kind of criteria did you have?
Arnie 07:44
Well, I wanted something that was not connected to an assisted living or a memory care facility. I wanted something more independent, with more active people. And this, this was the one that kind of checked my boxes. The minute I was in here, I knew this was a place for me because the friendliness was just unbelievable that everybody was so acceptable to you.
Pam Ostrowski 08:11
And what about proximity? Because you didn’t you live in the neighborhood?
Arnie 08:17
Yes, I did live maybe a mile and a half from here. And I had driven by many types of not realizing this facility was even here. And I was invited to have a three day kind of staycation to try this place out. And I was so impressed with that, that that even more ensured me that I wanted to live in this facility. The friendships. Were just wonderful here.
Pam Ostrowski 08:43
So you mentioned staycation. What What do you mean by that?
Arnie 08:48
Well, I was invited to have a three day stay and to try it out. And to be honest, if I wasn’t invited for that 3d state, I probably wouldn’t be here because I just I needed that to ensure that I was selecting the right location and the right facility. Yeah. And the plus for me was this was so close to my home. And I was so familiar with this area that it was a perfect setting for me to be here. Yeah,
Pam Ostrowski 09:15
cuz you wouldn’t have to like you’d know where the grocery store is. You know where to take your car for oil changes you
Arnie 09:21
exactly. That was very comfortable living so close to my home. Yes. No, very
Pam Ostrowski 09:27
good.
Arnie 09:28
Well, that’s the big difference. Yes. I’m
Pam Ostrowski 09:32
happy for you. So thank you. Did you want to ask question number? Oh, yeah. Did you have a paragon,
Ed 09:37
if you don’t mind, Pam, I one thing I really want to stress because we looked at all these places that had assisted care, and that is become center criteria when you’re looking. What happens if I move into an independent care facility, and I’m going to need assisted care. And there are so many I didn’t realize it but There’s so many outside sources that can come in here and give you if your assistant cares not requiring it daily, you get by.
But I said to my son, what if I move in here and I need all this help. And he said, Dad, you’ve looked at a whole bunch of assisted care places, you know what you like, I’ll start at the top and starting going down until I find your room. But there’s other options when you move into independent care that you don’t need the assistant and I’m sorry, I didn’t say that earlier.
Pam Ostrowski 10:33
So the nice thing, if I understand you correctly, is like you can hire a professional caregiver. And, and have and pick how many hours a day that you might need some help? And yeah, so it allows you to stay in an environment that’s stimulating and beautiful, and has good food and has Bernie and Carol and everybody else? And that’s good.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 11:03
That’s great as your you’re absolutely right. I’m glad you said that. Because there are so many options available. And and from very small areas of time, you know, brackets of time where people can come in and help set up many sets for 15 minutes to an hour to however much you need. So I’m glad you pointed that out.
Ed 11:22
don’t realize that though, that’s the big unknown factor. That’s right.
Pam Ostrowski 11:27
It’s a good point. Okay, Paige question. Far Right.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 11:32
We have a question for Carol. And it is how did you decide on cash communities, The Park at Copper Creek?
Carol 11:43
Well, I also looked at several other facilities, my daughter took me and we looked around, I came from Phoenix and my children are in this area. So I was fairly used to the the Chandler area because they lived here for so long. And I was back and forth. But I looked at several communities.
And again, I I did not want assisted living. I wanted someplace that was independent with people that were were active and doing things. So when I, when I looked at the others and saw that they had nursing care or memory care, I knew that that wasn’t for me. And so when we came in here, I mean, it just blew me away. I looked around and I thought you know, this is it. This is it, because everybody was so friendly. And they’re all active and independent doing what they want, when they can’t you can do as much as you want or as little as you want. And it just it’s just a wonderful place. It’s just I feel like I’m on vacation every day. I really Carol,
Pam Ostrowski 12:47
I have to ask you to talk about your apartment, because when you and I talked about it, I was like I’m moving in.
Pam Ostrowski 13:02
What’s your apartment like?
Carol 13:03
Okay, well, I’m in a two bedroom, two bath and I faced the courtyard in the courtyard was, is wonderful. Every window in my apartment from my living room, my guest bedroom, my master bedroom all faced the court, you’re so I always feel like I’m outside. You know, when I have a nice patio out there, I can go sit out there and have coffee in the morning if I want or go out in the evening when the weather’s nice.
And it’s just, it’s just so homey. And I was able to bring most of my furniture with me. So it was really familiar to have all of my things. And they were also helpful here. When you move in. You know, there’s the maintenance man that he hangs everything your pictures behind my mirrors. He just did you know, hooked up my television. Wow, it was it really was nice. I love my apartment. It’s the best. I always feel like a side. Oh,
Pam Ostrowski 14:09
that’s wonderful. And so thank you for sharing that. We you know, we always like to know, you know what, what it feels like? So we’re going to ask all three of you some questions about that. Laura, I see your question. We’re going to hold off on your question for just a little bit because I think I think we have an answer for you as a result of one of the other questions we’re asking.
So now we’ve covered what drove what what got you to consider independent living and then you know what helped you make that decision. So now let’s talk about moving in. Like when you moved in, what was it like those first that first month or two? Were you lonely or did you feel left out? Did you feel awkward, aren’t you Why don’t we ask You that question, okay.
Arnie 15:03
I’m a very social person. And I made friends right away. And everybody here was so welcoming. I felt just very accepted. And we have a breakfast club in the morning, where many of us will sit at a table. And we just will joke and just discuss things that happened during the day or previously, and just lots of fun, and we just enjoy it every morning. It just starts her day off on the right track.
So yeah, that’s I have no problem being here at all I had no issue with as far as being accepted, making friends. And everyone here is just wonderful. And I can’t say enough about about the place. It’s just wonderful to me.
Pam Ostrowski 15:49
Well, so Arnie, something you shared with me when I asked about food is that you said it’s a good thing. There’s a gym. Can you can you?
Arnie 16:00
Yes, that’s right, the gym? And yes, I do. They do have a gym here. And I do use the facility three times a week. And it’s so convenient. It’s right, right in the building here. And I just use it all the time. That’s very, very good for me to not to have to leave the facility.
Pam Ostrowski 16:20
And then one more thing that you had mentioned. Well, aren’t you you do leave the community? Because Aren’t you a volunteer somewhere?
Arnie 16:30
I do volunteer at the sky harbor airport. And I’ve been doing that for like 16 years. And I do this every single week. And it gets me kind of out of here and being able to meet people, my friends at the airport. So the Yes, that’s true.
Pam Ostrowski 16:50
Okay. Just wanted to make sure because we want people to understand you guys aren’t trapped there, right? No,
Arnie 16:55
we’re not. No, we’re not in jail here.
17:01
No, no. We’re,
Arnie 17:02
We’re free to do whatever we want. And when we want,
Pam Ostrowski 17:10
So Ed, would you mind answering that question about what were your first few days or weeks? What did they what did they feel like to you when you moved in and kind of got and you also have a nice apartment, if I understand correctly,
Ed 17:23
right? Yeah, I’ve got a great apartment. I’ll tell you though. First comp. First. glance, after I got here, I thought, boy, this is small.
Pam Ostrowski 17:33
Compared to where it were how many square feet
Ed 17:36
compared to I was living in a 2700 square foot, one floor house. And I moved in here, this is 1000 square feet. And I thought it was kind of tight. But I’ll tell you after a few weeks, this is the greatest move I ever made this room. This place is just perfect. And of course, my daughter in law helped me organize things. And she is excellent. She just did a great job. So that was the woman’s touch. As always appreciate it, you know.
Arnie also hit on one of our spot, and that is you feel a little bit awkward. Good. No, you’re the new kid on the block type of thing. And I first came down here I was a little apprehensive just even going off to dinner or to as Arnie mentioned breakfast, and I hit it off with one guy.
We started sitting at this tall table because he needed to hire chair to sit in. And the next thing then aren’t involved in all of donco laughing here, Carol. Going, this place did become now we have six guys and three girls to sit up there. And it’s just become a real kind of a party table in the morning and our dinner is associated with 10 people now lined up around their chat in a way. So we all have a lot of laughs and that’s great group.
Pam Ostrowski 19:05
Paige, it sounds like you are going to have to add bigger tables at the rate they’re adding people.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 19:12
we can do that. Absolutely. I’d love to hear the group growing. That’s very cool. I love that. Yeah,
Pam Ostrowski 19:17
absolutely. So, all right, Paige, I think you’re up for the question six.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 19:24
I’ve got number six. So, okay, so this question we’ve got is what day to day like for you? What is day to day like for you? So we want to maybe start add you want to kick it off? We’re going to ask all of you that question.
Ed 19:41
This is a carryover. Well, it starts really, as it gets back to that breakfast table with a bunch of people. The thing the thing to be here is we all came from the same spot. We lost a spouse and you’re trying to it’s it’s the same grief situation, it’s the same everything. And so everybody’s welcoming.
And it’s my day to day those starts off with that breakfast with a lot of laughs and trying to prod Arnie into sharing his desserts with me. But he play. Also, I drive for neighbors who care, which is a local thing that and it gets me out of here and I mixed with other people besides here. And they give me reassuring stories on why I’m where I’m at. And some of them are really, it’s sad, but they belong in something like this, because so many of them are singles, that they don’t have any help around them or anything.
And it’s sad that but you also hear you got different lecture series that come through, we have a lot of different things that get added to us as far as intellectually stimulating, stimulating, plus, you’ve got As already mentioned, the exercise. We have an on site, physical therapist that helps out it’s there’s a lot of pluses just being here with your social contacts and with outside contacts as shoe comes through and offers different programs as well. So it’s, it’s an all keeps you busy going. Well,
Pam Ostrowski 21:22
I was going to say it doesn’t sound like you have any time spare time to do my son
Ed 21:27
said today when I talked with him this morning. He says I got to gotta catch you in between everything that’s going on in that place. Yeah.
Pam Ostrowski 21:35
Well, that’s good, though. Right? If you want to be busy and be I’m sorry. Go ahead.
Ed 21:40
No, you’re absolutely right. If you want to be busy, you can because if you don’t want to stay in your apartment,
Pam Ostrowski 21:47
well, or already, you’d mentioned the library that sometimes you’ll go down there. Yes,
Arnie 21:52
that’s true. I will. And of course, reiterating what I said previously. My morning starts off with breakfast with friends. We have a lot of laughs We have a good time. The afternoons I will go to the gym.
They do have entertainment for us here in LA bring in speakers and we have meme entertainment. We have choirs we have actually instrumentalists that come in pianist, and there’s always something that they’ve planned for us. So we can be as busy as we want. And the evenings I have dinner with my friends. And it’s just, it’s just a wonderful day.
Pam Ostrowski 22:32
Okay, that’s wonderful. Great. We did get a question that, do you guys know of any couples who have moved in to The Park? You, Carol, can you? Can you weigh in on that? So what is their experience, you know, moving in together before, you know maybe not waiting until a spouse has passed? Well,
Carol 22:53
I think we do have a lot of couples here there are several that I do know, they seem to like it very well. They they enjoy not having to have a house and the maintenance. And, and they’re older and they get to be together and do whatever they want to do. I think that they enjoy doing activities together here the thing can do.
And actually, if there are a lot of activities they don’t want to participate in, and they don’t but they there are so many available to them. And I think that they’re happy to be able to be free of the house maintenance and everything that goes with owning of home. And being in a place like this where they have other couples and lots of friends.
And I know for myself, I said I was very lonely at home by myself. And I didn’t realize how lonely I was until I came here. And I have so many friends here. And so many things to do here. And by the way, we also have a salon here where you can get your hair done, you can get your nails done, and they get facials and so you’d never have to leave if you don’t want to. But I think that couples here are really enjoying their lives here together.
Pam Ostrowski 24:13
So I’m going to ask Edie that the next follow on question which is what challenges if any, did you run into in downsizing like good 2700 square feet? That’s got to be a lot of furniture.
Ed 24:27
No, no. In fact, it was very fortunate in selling my house the people that bought it took everything lock stock and barrel. So I didn’t have to sell but some of the furniture but a lot of people use the state sales and dispose of their furniture that way. I did come in here and I bought brought with me some of my chairs that were my favorite things.
And a lot of the artwork or fixtures that I brought. I brought as I say to have two chairs that were my wife’s favorites, and a Bombay chest and then I bought the rest of the furniture that fit the bedroom here is large enough, if you really wanted to put it in there, you can get a king sized bed in, but you’re going to be using just about all the space. So it’s just me. So I can sleep in a queen size bed very comfortably.
And I’ve just got that furniture. And that was it. It’s a one time fixed everything. The only thing that was the only apprehensive thing I had about as it was if the if how I can adapt? Actually the room is just great. And that didn’t take like a couple of weeks to get used to it.
But it’s how are you going to adapt to community living. And I found that that just really disappeared and nothing flat. It’s this is a contact sport. You got to meet people. And that’s what it is. It’s just, I’ve been doing this for so long. And talking to people that some people would probably like to ask me to be quiet once in a while. It might happen. I really enjoy it. Everything is just blended beautifully. Couldn’t ask for anything better. Wonderful,
Pam Ostrowski 26:23
Wonderful. And then. So we got and one thing that you had mentioned already was music because I know how much you love music. So I carry along and ask you this question. So what does your day to day life look like? Because I’m pretty sure it involves a dog and your patio.
Carol 26:47
Yeah, my day to day life is really is really nice. I did up in the morning, I let the dog out. And then I could, you know, come back in and do what I do in the morning. I usually will go to the gym three days a week, and then come back and do some work on my computer. And then of course, there’s always lunchtime. And then if I want to I can even go shopping and go to the mall, I’m just five minutes from the mall. And in then there’s always we have happy hour and Wednesdays.
So every Wednesday, there’s happy hour. And we get a couple of free drinks and lots of orders. And then we get to visit with everybody and all the other people that are there. And then. And then of course I always look forward to dinner during later part of the day. And we meet several of us meet in the library, then we go into the dining room and have dinner.
And afterwards, I usually will take a walk with a couple of the other girls and we walk all three floors. And we’ll get a mile or a mile and a half in. And then some nice we have Remi cube that we play. And there’s about five of us that play that. So my day to day life is really full. And then I also volunteer for Hospice of the valley. So I do that when I get a call if I’m available, like or when I do that as well. And that’s for rewarding to me as well as just being here. So that’s kind of what my day to day life is like. And I love it.
Pam Ostrowski 28:15
I’m exhausted just listening to be honest with you.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 28:19
I love that you guys all volunteer. I mean, that is just so amazing that you guys are so out there doing good things and volunteering and it keeps you young and vibrant.
Arnie 28:35
That’s right. Yeah.
Pam Ostrowski 28:38
So one thing that you had mentioned, Carol, there was, you mentioned some of the day to day. And Arnie had mentioned some of the concerts. But what about group activities? What kind of celebrations are oh,
Carol 28:56
what do you guys do? Usually every day they have something special going on, whether it’s a lunch or a dinner, or whatever. And so I noticed that there’s a sign up not a sign up but a sheet showing that this Monday that they are having a barbecue from 11 to one. And so it’s like that if Christmas. We always have a Christmas dinner for Easter. We do you know, brunch and of course we have our champagne brunch every month, every month,
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 29:25
every month, every month on a Sunday.
Carol 29:29
Yes, that’s
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 29:33
Mimosa brunch do right
Carol 29:35
and you can also invite family or friends to do that. And so yeah, yes, it’s there’s always an activity usually that is associated with some some holiday that’s coming up. They always do something this special here for that holiday. So there’s this that’s always something for her to look forward to. Because some of the people here don’t have families So if they don’t go to their family for a specific holiday, I don’t know that there’s something available here in that there’s a lot of people that will be doing something as well.
Pam Ostrowski 30:10
So they have their family that they’ve moved in with, as opposed to, you know, blood relatives. So that’s really nice. Yeah,
Carol 30:17
it is. It’s really nice. And I enjoy it. And I think it’s really nice that they take the time to do something special to commemorate whatever holiday it is. And then you always don’t feel like you’re left out of something, because there’s always something to do.
Pam Ostrowski 30:35
Well, Carol, I want to ask you a favor. When they do the next luau. Can you make sure that we get photos and Ed and Arnie wearing grass skirts
Ed 30:47
you may have to wait for a while to get that.
Pam Ostrowski 30:52
I think we could, we could ask around and see if we couldn’t get some of you to do that.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 30:59
Well, and to talk about I’m sorry, but I gotta jump in. You got to talk about your socks. Oh, you are the sock man. And I love it. And you have all the fun socks.
Ed 31:10
I say, let’s get this all got started crazy because I have to work compression socks. And so I got tired of the bland ones that you have to wear all the time. And those I were wearing them as sleeves on my calves. But anyway, I switched over one day and bought a bunch of these crazy socks. And that started then I got so many comments on him, especially from women. So I found the way to talk to girls at all times. Oh, it’s tough when you’re in your 80s you got to use every avenue.
But anyway. Crazy sock day. And we had about total, including participants of about just about 50 people showed up for it. And we put out a red carpet. And we had 21 people that were either with walkers or without walkers. One gal, she came, she left her walker aside, her son even came to help her walk down the red carpet. And they both wore crazy socks. And then we had four great prizes. And it was just it was a hoot. I tell you, we had so many laughs It was unbelievable. But it was a good time. And it’s become our crazy sock Day, which we’re going to do next year. And we did it in coordination with the Down Syndrome Association, which we then took donations for that and we delivered them on a little over 100 bucks. And it was it was fun. And yet it was also beneficial for a good cause.
Pam Ostrowski 32:52
So we had a good and let alone the health benefits of laughing right? Yeah,
Ed 32:56
that’s right. Now I have about 18 pair of these crazy socks
Pam Ostrowski 33:02
will be able to pick you out. Walking around. There’s the guy. That’s right. I don’t
Ed 33:08
get lost too easily anymore.
Pam Ostrowski 33:13
I love the fact that all the women like your socks, that’s funny.
Ed 33:19
Boom. If I go into crowds, it’s always the women saying I love your socks. Seen
Pam Ostrowski 33:26
who knew
Ed 33:29
my stage of life family need every avenue I can use?
Pam Ostrowski 33:32
You know, you’re a smart man, that was the right thing to do. Who knows what will be next. So while we have you talking yet, the we have a question about what was a concern that you had? You know, you’ve mentioned a couple of things between moving from a large house to you know, integrating with the group, whatever, you know, either you’ve mentioned it or you haven’t, what concern did you have, but it never really happened. It didn’t come to fruition. Wow. I mean, did you live alone
Ed 34:12
myself for four years, I had neighbors and that and I had some of my neighbors so I thought I was nuts to do this. Why? Well they thought I was moving out of the area and I was going to forget about them and not but they’re 10 to 15 minutes away from me. And so I go down and see them used to be twice a week and it’s now I’ve got so so many things going on here that I just go down there on Sunday evenings of course I also sponged dinner off my son at the same time, but I’m sure he doesn’t mind. No, he doesn’t. He’s really good but it was it was really establishing a new friendships.
As I said earlier, kind of My life’s a contact sport with other people. And I made so many friends here. It’s unbelievable. It’s It’s just I, I just found that this place is just a joy. Am I in fact, my son describes this as a cruise ship on land, you know? I’ve heard that from so many people.
My neighbors who really were trying to discourage me on this later came up here and saw where I was living and what was going on. And they said, Man, you made the smartest move ever. So reassuring. But if it’s just it’s a welcoming situation. This is, it’s really more than I ever. I don’t know what I really expected the it was just an unknown, but it’s, I have I have more fun here than I’ve had in years.
Pam Ostrowski 35:57
Wow, that’s awesome. Okay, already, what was the question for you? Same question is What were you possibly concerned about? That never came to fruition once you moved in? Well,
Arnie 36:11
Actually, I had really no concerns about moving here at all. It was more than I expected it to be. But I just, I can’t say enough about this place that I felt like I was at home here. And I met so many wonderful people. So I really had no concerns once I made the decision to move here. I mean, that was it. And I just felt that this was the place for me. So really, I must say that there was no concerns as far as I was concerned. And, you know, it just never happened. I was just so pleased with with being here. I’ve never been happier. I mean, my life has changed for the better. And it’s the best movie that I’ve ever made.
Pam Ostrowski 36:54
Yeah, well, and that’s, that’s wonderful. Because it’s good to hear that right? From people in this audience to know that, when you because I think there’s a lot of people out there, I’ve heard from them, I’m sure Paige has to have, you know, it’ll be fine for the first few days, but then it’s not going to, you know, then it’s not going to match up with my needs for you know, having more people around. A
nd Carol mentioned too, that you can bring family, you know, you can your family is part of The Park family, to whether it’s dinners or meals or happy hours or whatever. So you can have an extended family, if you will. Yeah. So um, so Carol. And, and Laura, I think it was Laura had asked a question about food. So what were your concerns? When you know that you were thinking of before you moved in, but then didn’t didn’t come to fruition? You and I had mentioned food? What were your reasons are concerned first?
Carol 38:03
Well, one of the things was when I moved, I was getting ready to move in. I thought, well, what if I don’t want when I got there? Well, what if I don’t like the apartment? What if I, what if I can’t get my furniture in what you know, so I did have all those concerns.
But is that when I moved in and found out everything, none of that happened. I mean, I liked it. My furniture fit, everything was great. Food was good, I have certain dietary restrictions, and they’re very, very eager to really help you with those. So that’s important to me. And, and I thought about that, before I moved in, I thought, you know, my, my sodium intake is, is I have to be really careful with that, what’s going to happen. And so I just expressed that to the chef, and they’re very, very accommodating and try to help you in any way they can. With you know, any food restrictions are in there.
Other people will have other food restrictions as well. So I know that, you know, they they do the best they can to help you take care of those things. But it turned out, this turned out to be you know, more than I expected. And it was just it was, it was just the best move I ever made. I just can’t tell you how happy I am here. I just it was the best, best thing I ever did. I wished I would have done it a year sooner. I really do. Wow.
Pam Ostrowski 39:37
That says a lot. So since we mentioned food, I’m going to go off off the questions for a second. Okay, what’s your favorite? I’m going to ask each of you that what’s your favorite either meal or dessert? What’s your favorite thing that that the chef provides or prepares Do you want to go first?
Ed 40:01
Sure. I’ll tell you I eat. I love a good pork chop. And when I came in, I’ve never been able to cook one. In fact, I don’t cook with beans. And that is another side. Because I am over joyed. And I think that’s what a lot of couples say, is I don’t have to cook, I don’t have to shop and all that anymore.
But I had a pork chop that I still get. That was really restaurant quality. And I even took a picture of the plate and sent it to my son, who lived in that time up in Colorado, which is where he’s at during the summer. And it compares to anything that I’ve ever gotten up there and it was just, it was just gorgeous. That’s my favorite. Okay, then there are other ones too. They do vary.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 40:54
They do. I haven’t tried it yet.
Ed 40:58
Come on down.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 41:00
I’ll be there. Okay.
Arnie 41:04
What’s your it kicks out on those pork chops? Oh, oh.
Carol 41:13
Tiramisu is great. It’s a family tiramisu.
Pam Ostrowski 41:18
Now that’s a tough dessert to prepare.
Ed 41:21
So that’s good.
Arnie 41:23
Now mine is different. I look forward to the once a month, Sunday brunch that we have. I always loved a Sunday brunches, even when I was living at home with my wife. So I kind of look forward to they have a wonderful array of food, a very good variety. And it’s just a nice time to meet people and enjoy a nice, nice meal. So that’s my favorite thing is the Sunday brunches.
Pam Ostrowski 41:46
I’m hungry now.
41:47
I know me too. All right. Well, thank you to that.
Arnie 41:54
The food is wonderful here. I must say. Yes. Well,
Pam Ostrowski 41:57
thank you so much for for allowing me to ask that question. without any preparation. I didn’t know. That would be okay with you guys. So I appreciate that. So Paige, you’re up what other? What’s our I think it says our last question. Yeah,
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 42:10
so um, okay, so what are the top three things you like most about living in an independent living? We can start with you add, if you want. sure everybody’s going to answer this one have a chance to answer.
Ed 42:30
I’ll tell you. The biggest thing that I liked about this is the freedom. And when I told my son that he says freedom, what freedom and I said I’m free from I am a lousy Cook, which my wife pointed out to me many times. But anyway, I’m a lousy cook. I don’t like to shop for groceries. I don’t even know how to shop for groceries. She didn’t teach me. But I have total freedom from my house.
I no longer care about who’s going to yards I don’t care about I have a house cleaner that comes in here once a week. And does surface cleaning all over the place takes care of my floors, which I like to see. I have. She will also make your bed for you.
If you put out things, I’d say yes. Guess what more can you ask for. And that was my, that’s the big thing I really enjoy is all the services that I get here. I need a light bulb changed, I tell him and they either hand me the bulb, because I’m six foot just about. And I can reach up there and put in my own light bulb. But he comes in, they’ll hang pictures for you. They’ll do anything. And I mean, you’ve got all the services around here, all you have to do is be a happy person and go talk to people. And if you don’t like it and eat in your room. Yeah, yes.
Pam Ostrowski 43:59
So how about you, Arnie?
Arnie 44:01
Well, I would say the the best part for me is the wonderful friends that I’ve made here. I can’t tell you how wonderful that has been to me. It’s just amazing. Everybody here to me is just so accepting and welcoming. And there’s always new people that you meet here, new residents that have moved in. So that part is always important to me.
And I would say also the fact that I don’t have to prepare meals because I don’t cook either. So that’s very important. I don’t have to do any shopping. The meals are wonderful. And that’s that’s another great part about independent living. And then I would also say the third thing would be the socializing here. I think it’s wonderful.
I’ve met a wonderful woman and we have connected and she’s become the love of my life. And it’s just wonderful. I couldn’t be happier. My life has been so complete by living Hear, I would just say it’s been wonderful. So that kind of sums it up for me.
Pam Ostrowski 45:06
Good. Sounds wonderful. Well, Carol, that boys have teed you up for, you know, what else is there? What were the what are the three things that that, you know, you really enjoy about independent living in a community? Well,
Carol 45:20
I think, again, the freedom that I have to come and go as I want, I still have my car. So I drive, which is nice. And I can go and do things. So I do like that. I also enjoy the company of all of the friends that I’ve made. Sometimes in the evenings, we join in the library, several women, and we sit and just visit and just relax. And so I enjoyed that part of it as well.
Also, I think the convenience of not leaving here for my nails if I want to do that, or, and I also liked the fact that the mail delivery is right here on the first floor, you don’t have to go out anywhere. And so all of that is a real convenience for me.
But and I think the biggest thing is that the friends that I’ve made, I mean, I have more friends here than I have ever had in my life. And we’ve all become just a family, we’re a community, in a family, and we all care about each other. And we know that if I don’t see somebody at dinner, we need to find out are they okay? So if those three things were really important to me, and, and, again, I couldn’t be happier being here.
Pam Ostrowski 46:44
That’s wonderful. One, one thing that you had mentioned to me, because you mentioned that you drive, what
Carol 46:51
if you don’t want to drive? I’m sorry, but if I was, what if you didn’t?
Pam Ostrowski 46:56
Didn’t feel like driving? Are there other alternatives?
Carol 46:59
Oh, yes, you know, if if you want to go somewhere we do have of a car that you know, is here or a van. And they will take you to doctor’s appointments or to grocery stores, they do plan those so that if you don’t want to drive, you can always sign up to do that. And make go to the grocery store for your doctor’s appointments. They go, you know, sometimes they even drive to see plays and things in it, you know, that are being presented?
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 47:31
Theater calpheon. And
Carol 47:33
yeah, so I know that van took us one time to the street fair, in Tempe. And that was the art street fair. And we all went to that loaded up in the van. And off we went. And then they’ll pick us up and bring us back home. So we didn’t have to worry about parking down in Tempe, where it’s busy. So that that’s just really nice to have that available to you if you want to use it. It’s wonderful. Yes,
Pam Ostrowski 48:00
it certainly sounds like it. So does anybody in the audience have any questions for our Senior Living resident panel? I think we’ve covered all of them. We covered food, which is funny that we all think the same thing. It’s like, well, what’s what’s the food like? But we’ve covered the spacious apartment, we’ve covered friends and relationships and
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 48:26
trials, day two, I love Arnie that you brought that up the trial stay. I love Oh, yeah. We try to offer I’m actually working on getting my aunt to come from Kansas. And so she’s going to come to a trial state as well. So highly recommend it. Yeah, yeah. Oh, she’s moving in. I’m just having her come, you know, do a quick trial stay so that we get her house sold, and she’ll come out. So I think that was pretty amazing that you did that. And that made you feel that helps you with your decision. I love that. Definitely.
Arnie 48:57
Yes.
Pam Ostrowski 48:58
Matt says food is important. Yes!
Ed 49:03
everybody’s mind. Exactly. Yeah,
Pam Ostrowski 49:06
absolutely. So well. If no one has any other comments or questions for our panel will wrap up. I know I personally have had the pleasure of talking with all three of you independently. You are amazing people I like Paige I admire that you volunteer. You know, I just really appreciate you taking the time out of Yes.
49:32
This is Tom. And I wonder if anybody considered moving to a condo or a nice apartment to be on their own? What do you think about that idea?
Ed 49:46
So living by yourself in an apartment? Yes. Well, most of those time that I see around that are 55 and older luxury apartments they call them, and it is strictly an apartment. And so you go in there, they usually don’t have anything social, you have to really scramble to meet people.
And then when you d,o a lot of them that are 55 that aren’t in our situation. They go off to work each day. And so you, you lose the availability of a social contact. And I think that that’s what keeps us all young. I’ll tell you, I’m in my 80s. And I feel like I forgotten about numbers. I really, it’s as Arnie as mentioned, and Carol both this is like on a cruise ship. It’s just it’s a different life. I don’t want to shop for food, and that’s what you’re going to do in the apartment. Yeah. Do your own cooking and all the rest that cleaning, laundry and paying for your utilities.
Ed 51:01
Then, if you happen to leave the water running here, you’re not worried about the fact that I’m stealing somebody’s water or something? Like that’s an oversimplification, of course. But it’s, I just think, yeah, to me, it’s
Arnie 51:16
like comparing apples to oranges. Yeah.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 51:23
Yeah, it is not the same. The socialization too, and the food, everything, like you said, and and you get you landlocked cruise ship.
Ed 51:34
You read stuff about contacts in life and everything. The more social contacts you have, the better your attitudes are, oh, yeah, longer, it helps for longevity by a longshot.
Pam Ostrowski 51:50
for those people like myself, where socialization is something I try to stay away from. is also important. So being able to sit in the library and read a book, see that there’s something else going on or listening to music without, you know, you don’t have to talk with other people. But you were still stimulated.
And because I’ve worked with people who care for those with dementia, you know, the first thing that I referenced is COVID, write isolation kills, increases the decline of your brain, and cause can cause cognitive impairment. And so the more isolated you are, the less quality of life you’re going to have. You may live, this is the scary part. You may live 20 years. But if you live 20 years in isolation, and you can’t function and you can’t enjoy your life. Why would you do that to yourself? Why wouldn’t you at least be in an environment that’s healthier for you? So?
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 53:00
Yes, healthier environment? Absolutely. Yes.
Ed 53:03
Well, I recently read where they said that, if you are lonely loneliness is like smoking a pack of cigarettes a day or a half. It shortens your life. And this is really this is a life extension visitor, the thing is in here, you can be as connected as you want to be.
If you don’t and involved as much as you want to be if you don’t want to do it, don’t do it. But we try and draw in fact, I’ve run into family members of people that say I wish I could get my mother to go down and, and socialize more.
Well, we try to do that here with our they’ve got an ambassador program here, where we try to reach out to people especially when they come in new to get them down for dinner and all this get a mixing into the group’s. And in fact, Arnie and I just met with fellow that’s coming in here this next month, whose wife just passed away two months ago. And he’s coming in his sons were with him the other day, and I was telling him, loneliness kills. They just, it just slows you all down. And there, they’re they’re tickled pink to get their dad in here. So
Pam Ostrowski 54:17
That’s something that we didn’t talk about, though, too, is. And Carol, you had mentioned this, when we talked. If you are in a community like this, your adult children have peace of mind. They don’t have to worry about you. Can you talk to that Carol?
Carol 54:40
Yes. And I know that my children were just happy that I was was moving to this community. There only one of them is 10 minutes for me. The other one is five minutes from me. And it just takes a big relief off of them to know that I’m never alone. And then if something does happen, that they’re very close, and then can can get to me quickly, instead of having drive to drive to Phoenix like they used to do. So it’s, it’s just a big relief for them. And for me too. Yeah,
Pam Ostrowski 55:14
Yes, because you’re not you’re not worrying them as an adult child myself, but I felt better that my new my parents were safe and being watched over and, and eyes on them. And you know, if someone fell or something happened, that there would be somebody there immediately while I was getting there.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 55:29
So it does give your children peace of mind. It does. Yeah. For sure, I have a couple more quick ones. Yes, sure. So, we’re a couple, we’re 75. How would we fit in age range wise? How, where would we fit in the average age of the people of the residents there?
Ed 55:52
Well, I never checked ages, I don’t know.
Carol 56:00
Less for 55. And over, so
Arnie 56:02
your age eligible to move in here.
Carol 56:06
So we don’t wait for 55 to 90.
Pam Ostrowski 56:10
Can we talk about the what’s behind that question, though. When you say how would we fit in? Do these three people give you the impression that they’re the ages that they are?
Because you can be I know people who are 50 who act like they’re 80. And then I and you guys, you know are you know when some of you are, I don’t care. I’m not going to ask your age. It’s impolite. But the boys, the boys are in their 80s. And, and as a result, you know, they don’t sound like it. They’re active. They’re volunteering, they’re doing this or doing that. So it really comes down to who are you? And how active are you? How engaged do you want to be? And if you’re going in as a couple, it sounds like there’s quite a few couples there. So you have to keep that in mind that it’s not about a number. It’s about you.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 57:02
Come. You need to come for a trial stay.
57:07
So then I can normally find out my last question, which is I like to barbecue. Where could I barbecue there?
Ed 57:14
There’s one out in the patio. Oh, yeah. Use our patio. We’ve got a barbecue out there have at it in fact is take down for myself.
57:27
Are there picnic tables or something cook it and eat it right there.
Ed 57:31
Yeah, there are tables
Arnie 57:33
Tables are on the patio. Yes.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 57:36
There’s a big screen TV. And that’s right. Eating areas with misters
Arnie 57:41
It’s cool out there. Yes.
57:43
Hey, thanks.
Pam Ostrowski 57:45
Thank you for asking your questions.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 57:48
We’re looking forward. Looking forward to seeing you there. Tom. Do you live in Arizona?
57:54
Yeah, we live actually up by Surprise. So oh, we thought about The Park in surprise.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 58:03
We have The Park at surprise. That’s absolutely right. Wonderful.
Pam Ostrowski 58:10
So Ed, I’m sorry. But if if he’s going to move to the one in Surprise, you’re not going to get your steak done.
Arnie 58:19
No, you won’t be. You won’t meet these three wonderful people.
Pam Ostrowski 58:26
Well, it’s worth, like you said trial stay. All right. Well, we are at the top of the hour. And so I want to respect everybody’s time and schedule. But thank you. Thank you. Thank you, Edie Arnie and Carol, and Paige for coordinating all of this. And you guys are just amazing. And I hope that everyone on this call or listening to the recording has found it educational, and informational. And hopefully it’s brought you some hope about what life could look like your life could be any one of these three lives. So thank you again. I appreciate it.
Paige Fairbanks-Gunn Koelsch 59:00
Thank you so much.
Pam Ostrowski 59:04
Take care. Bye!